YOUNG hockey player Lora Symonds enjoyed her experience playing for the Midland Counties U14 team in a top tournament in Cardiff.

The 12-year-old Bromsgrove Lower School pupil was the youngest Worcestershire player selected for the second International Festival of Youth Hockey.

The Midland squad is made up of players from the ten counties in central England.

All those selected are members of regional development and performance squads.

The team, after just two training sessions, played matches against eight other sides including teams from Wales and the USA during the tournament in July.

The final, played against a strong team from Teddington, went to penalties. The Midlands lost 2-1.

Lora said: "I really enjoyed the opportunity to play hockey away from home over the course of a week.

"It really taught us how to work together as a strong team.

"We hope to be back next year, a little older, ready to take the title."